Small Businesses Bring Together Charities and Clients - Page 2
“For most people rugs are décor. But for someone who does not have stable heat or needs to feel more at home, it can make all the difference,” said Gonsenhauser. He formed Rugs of Love in November of that very year, asking community members to bring in old rugs they no longer used, in exchange for appropriate tax deduction documentation. Gonsenhauser has the rugs cleaned, and donates them to families in need.
“We participate in many other charity organizations”, said Gonsenhauser, “but now we are proud to have a program that we can call our own and try to make an impact here in Hampton Roads.”
Once you figure out to what extent your small business can couple its business goals with a local charitable partnership, who do you partner with?
I Can Do This, But Which Charity?
Not sure which charitable organization your small company might fit with? There are services ready to help. Paul Olds, a former corporate attorney, knows that time is priceless for smaller businesses, and investigating the goals and business practices of giving organizations takes from a limited schedule.
"Smaller businesses of about 40 people and above who have the ability to do some good, don't have the skills, experience or time to actually do strategic planning around that giving. That's where Humankind was born."
Brisbane, Australia-based consulting firm Humankind was founded by Olds, and performs corporate/charity matchmaking services for small to medium sized companies like yours. They take a deep look at your company’s vision and organization, and provide strategies to support the charity you are aligned with, including volunteerism, team participation in events, marketing campaigns in support, and even how to set up donation services through your small business.
"We start from your business objectives," said Olds in an interview for the Courier Mail. "What do you want to achieve? Then how can we find some sort of community program or charity that can actually help you to achieve those goals? By doing that you actually achieve a sustainable model where no matter what happens, you've got the ability to give because you're getting something back."
If you want to do this yourself, start by taking a long, hard look at your company’s goals and vision statement - something you ought to do from time to time anyway. Bring in trusted employees who have a sympathetic heart, and ask them to help you decide a charity.
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